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Is Instagram safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe with the right settings. Teen Accounts help, but sextortion and fake-brand scams are real risks.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Meta Platforms
Based in
Menlo Park, USA
Encryption
DMs are not end-to-end encrypted by default.
Data it collects
Profile, posts, contacts (if synced), location, device data and activity used for ads.
Minimum age
13+

What keeps you safe

  • Teen Accounts (since 2024) are private by default and limit who can message teens.
  • Two-factor authentication.
  • Hidden Words filters abusive comments and DMs.

Risks to know about

  • Ireland fined Instagram €405 million in 2022 for exposing children's contact details.
  • Sextortion gangs target teenagers through DMs.
  • Fake brand-deal and verification messages steal accounts.

Scams to watch for on Instagram

  • "Your account will be deleted" or "get verified" phishing DMs.
  • Fake brand ambassador offers asking for a fee.
  • Crypto and forex "mentors".
  • Sextortion after a fake romantic contact.

Is Instagram legit?

Instagram is legit; the danger is from fake accounts using it.

Is it safe for kids?

Keep Teen Account protections on and use Family Center supervision.

How to use Instagram safely

  1. Turn on two-factor authentication.

  2. Make your account private.

  3. Never send images to someone you have not met.

  4. Report and block sextortion attempts; don't pay.

Where Instagram is restricted

Does a VPN make Instagram safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Instagram collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Instagram safe to use?

Safe with the right settings. Teen Accounts help, but sextortion and fake-brand scams are real risks.

Is Instagram legit?

Instagram is legit; the danger is from fake accounts using it.

Is Instagram encrypted?

DMs are not end-to-end encrypted by default.

What data does Instagram collect?

Profile, posts, contacts (if synced), location, device data and activity used for ads.

Is Instagram safe for kids?

Keep Teen Account protections on and use Family Center supervision.

Does a VPN make Instagram safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Instagram. It does not stop Instagram itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

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